Why: These cookies not only look great, they're tender like homemade sugar cookies. “We are kind of known for these,” said owner Jeanne Samii. “I can't tell you the people who have come in and said these are like crack cocaine. We probably sell 10,000-15,000 in December.” The Ultimate Cheesecake Bakery has condensed its retail stores into its main baking facility, selling “factory direct.” The company needs 24 to 48 hours advance notice for orders.

Why: There are plenty of tres leches cakes in San Antonio, but owner Blanca Aldaco sets the standard with her lush version. The cake is available in traditional vanilla as well as Frangelico made with a moderate amount of liqueur inside and roasted almonds on top. “This year, several pharmaceutical companies are skipping the traditional fruit cake and going for an untraditional tres leches cake instead,” Aldaco said.Cost: $39.95 for a 9-inch cake that serves up to 20 medium slices less

Why: H-E-B launched these plump, 5-ounce gourmet cookies in select stores in April; an H-E-B spokesperson says they will be in all H-E-Bs soon. Made fresh in the bakery department, the Belgian chocolate-studded cookies are available hot on the sales floor from 4-7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Gooey and chocolaty, these are about as good as a chocolate chip cookie can get.

Why: This Italian Cream Cake is one of the best in the city. Baked fresh daily, the cake batter is studded with a few walnuts, then topped with a lush cream cheese frosting, and sprinkled with more nuts. The cake must be ordered a day in advance, so it can be baked fresh the day you'll pick it up.

Why: This isn't your typical cakey, round New York style cheesecake. Aldo's lush and silky filling sits on a buttery walnut/graham crust and is topped with a sour cream glaze. This cheesecake that serves 16 and is baked in an oblong pan doesn't come cheap, but great things seldom do. You'll want to let this stand at room temperature about 20 minutes or so before serving to open up the flavor a bit. Give the restaurant several days notice; if desired, they will slice the cheesecake for you.

Why: These macarons are not your mom's macaroons. These meringue-based cookies have a crunchy exterior and a soft filling that's slightly chewy. Available in a rainbow of colors and flavors, the macarons are as beautiful as they are delicious. Certain flavors such as chocolate, pistachio and coffee are always available; other flavors vary by season and whim.

Why: There's nothing like old-fashioned comfort food to relieve the stress of the holidays, and Mr. and Mrs. G's blackberry cobbler is comfort in a pan. Sweetened fruit is topped with a tender, flaky crust just like grandma used to make — if grandma was a great cook. Blackberry is our favorite, but the restaurant will make any variety, including peach, cherry and apple. Order at least two days in advance.

Cost: $25 for a medium cobbler (half pan, which serves 10-15), $50 for a large cobbler (full pan, which serves 20-30) less

What: Blackberry cobbler

Where: Mr. and Mrs. G's, 2222 S. W.W. White Road, 210-359-0002

Why: There's nothing like old-fashioned comfort food to relieve the stress of the holidays, and Mr. and Mrs. G's blackberry ... more

Why: This Argentinian specialty sandwiches dulce de leche between two shortbread cookies, which is then drizzled with chocolate. These cookies are some of the most popular at the bakery, sell out quickly and can't be special-ordered, so arrive early. And get there while you can, since the CIA Bakery Café is closing Dec. 20.

Why: Available only on Wednesdays, these cookies are gorgeous — and taste as good as they look. Ricotta cheese gives these puffy cookies a tender, cake-like creamy white interior. Lemon added to the dough, as well as the glaze, gives them a delightful tang. These are popular, and should be special-ordered if you want to make sure you get some.

Why: As Four Kings' website puts it, “All our desserts, including our English Toffee, are made with our own little hands.” Buttery, rich and delicious, this dark chocolate-topped toffee, sold by the quarter-pound, is available with or without crushed almonds atop. The toffee also can be made with pecans rather than almonds by special order.